RAILROAD USE OF PRECAST CONCRETE BRIDGE STRUCTURES

The article describes how precast concrete is offering railroads durability, constructibility, and economy. Precast concrete bridges are routinely replacing older timber and steel structures, and are also used to construct new alignments. The advantages of precast concrete are enumerated. A wide variety of precast elements used for railroad bridge construction is described. The recent replacement of a truss bridge by the Southern Pacific railroad is described. Problems with precast concrete are noted, including quality control problems encountered at the casting yards, and their high weight. Current use of precast elements by railroads is discussed, as well as its future use.